About Derek
Derek Martin is an Illinois lawyer who has built a practice around defending drivers and handling criminal and traffic-related cases. He holds a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, and a B.A. from Illinois State University. Both degrees are listed from 2004. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and has been active in local bar circles since at least 2013.
Martin's legal training began in Chicago, where he completed his law degree. The classroom work was followed by early practice that sharpened his courtroom instincts. He joined the Chicago Bar Association in 2013 and has remained a member since. That affiliation placed him in contact with other attorneys who handle criminal defense and traffic law across the state.
He launched the Law Office of Derek Martin in 2014. There he took on a mix of cases and developed a caseload of driver-related matters. In 2016 he moved into a leadership role as Managing Partner at Driver Defense Team. In that position he oversees case strategy, client consultations, and a team of attorneys and staff. The transition from solo practice to managing partner expanded the scale of his work and the number of matters he handles.
Martin's day-to-day work includes courtroom appearances, negotiating resolutions with prosecutors, and preparing cases for trial when necessary. He handles DUI and other impaired driving charges, traffic offenses that threaten a license, and related post-conviction issues. He represents clients at administrative hearings and in criminal proceedings. His practice requires frequent contact with law enforcement records, breath and blood testing documentation, and statutory deadlines that affect both criminal cases and license reinstatement matters.
Colleagues describe him as direct in court and methodical in case preparation. He balances a heavy calendar of hearings with hands-on supervision of staff. Clients find a consistent point of contact in him when matters are time-sensitive or when immediate court appearances are required. He also maintains relationships with local prosecutors and court staff, which informs how cases are negotiated.
Today he practices through Driver Defense Team, representing drivers in Illinois courts and administrative proceedings. He maintains a practice handling driver defense matters.
